About South Higgins Lake State Park
South Higgins Lake sits on one of the clearest inland lakes in Michigan — nearly 9,900 acres of water reaching depths of 135 feet, ringed by a park that has grown from its original 100 acres in 1927 to almost 1,400 acres today. Add in the neighboring Marl Lake section, and this is one of the largest state park campgrounds in Michigan, with 404 modern sites split across loops built for everything from tents to full-size RVs.
The mixed pine, oak, and maple forest is home to nesting bald eagles and loons, and two swimming beaches plus nine boat launches give campers easy access to some of the calmest, clearest water in the northern Lower Peninsula. It's a popular multi-generational destination — many families have been coming back to the same loop for decades.
With 404 sites, South Higgins Lake has more room than most parks, but full-hookup and lakeside sites still go fast for summer weekends. Book at the 6-month window if you want a specific site rather than just any opening.
Campground Loops — Which One Is Right for You
The modern campground includes a mix of full-hookup sites, 30/50-amp electric sites, and pull-through sites built for larger RVs. MittenCamper recommends checking the current interactive site map on MiDNRReservations.com for exact loop letters, since this park's loop layout is one of the more detailed in the state system.
| Site Type | Sites | Hookups | Best For | Water Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Hookup Sites | ≈120 | Full Hookup (E/W/S) | Large RVs, longer stays | Short drive to beach |
| Electric Pull-Through | ≈140 | Electric 30/50amp | Big rigs that don't want to back in | Near boat launch loop |
| Standard Electric | ≈144 | Electric 30amp | Families, tents, smaller trailers | Walkable to swim beach |
If you're bringing a boat, ask for a site near one of the nine launches to cut down on towing distance. For the classic Higgins Lake experience, request a loop within easy walking distance of one of the two swim beaches.
Higgins Lake's Famously Clear Water
Higgins Lake is regularly ranked among the clearest lakes in Michigan, with visibility that makes it a favorite for swimming, snorkeling, and simply floating in water so clean you can see the sandy bottom several feet down. The park's two swimming beaches are both gently sloped and family-friendly.
Beyond the water, 5.5 miles of trails wind through the park and around neighboring Marl Lake, doing double duty as cross-country ski trails in winter. The park also connects easily to North Higgins Lake State Park across the water, home to the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum if you want a break from the beach.
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How to Get a Reservation at South Higgins Lake
Reservations at South Higgins Lake work the same way as the rest of the Michigan state park system — book in advance at the 6-month window, or watch for a cancellation.
The 6-Month Window Strategy
Reservations open on MiDNRReservations.com at 8:00 AM Eastern (Monday–Friday) or 9:00 AM Eastern (Saturday–Sunday), exactly 6 months before your arrival date. Full-hookup sites and anything close to the beach are worth setting a reminder for.
CampDrop Alerts for Cancellations
Because this campground is so large, cancellations pop up more often here than at smaller parks — but they're still easy to miss if you're not watching constantly. CampDrop checks MiDNRReservations.com around the clock and texts you the second a site matching your dates opens.
What to Know Before You Camp
Hookups and Amenities
South Higgins Lake offers a mix of full-hookup sites (electric, water, and sewer) and electric-only 30/50-amp sites, plus pull-through spots for larger RVs. Modern restroom and shower buildings, a sanitation dump station, and a camp store are all on site.
Beach Access
Two swimming beaches on Higgins Lake are open to campers, both with gently sloping, sandy entry points. Nine boat launches around the park make it easy to get a boat or kayak on the water without a long drive.
Pets
Pets are allowed in designated areas of the campground on a 6-foot leash and must be under the owner's control at all times.
Season Dates
The campground generally operates spring through fall. Confirm exact current-year opening and closing dates on MiDNRReservations.com before booking.
Directions
South Higgins Lake State Park is located just off I-75 near Roscommon, roughly in the center of the northern Lower Peninsula. Take exit 239 and follow signs west to the park entrance on State Park Drive.
Address: 106 State Park Drive, Roscommon, MI 48653